Mike Chiappetta: GSP owes return to no one

The split decision in the UFC 167 main event generated controversy, but then Georges St-Pierre whipped fans and the media into a frenzy, saying after the fight that he needed some time to step away from the sport for unnamed personal reasons. UFC president Dana White was not impressed with the idea, and at the post-fight press conference said that as champion St-Pierre owed the promotion, the fans, and Hendricks a rematch, if he did not retire.

UFC president Dana White's words have been miscronstrued in some corners. White has a policy of long standing that any UFC fighter who wants to retire, absolutely should retire. Further, White has accelerated the retirement of some fighters were appeared to be pushing too far. What White took issue with was GSP's discussion of taking a break of unknown duration.

"You owe it to the fans, you owe it to that belt, you owe to this company, and you owe it to Johny Hendricks to give him that opportunity to fight again," said White, crucially adding "unless you’re going to retire."

In his latest piece for Fox Sports, Mike Chiapetta disagrees, and argues that after more UFC wins than anyone in history, the champion can take a break if he wants to.

Georges St-Pierre does not owe a quick return to the Octagon to anyone. Not to Johny Hendricks, not to the UFC, not to the fans, not even to himself. After nearly a decade as a prizefighter, with most of them spent at the very top fending off hungry challengers, he has earned a rest, for as long as he wants, without any real explanation. If he wants to go on vacation, or learn a new language or lounge on the beach, or simply get fat and happy, he should do so.

Fighting is not a sport that you can do well half-heartedly. It is not baseball or basketball, where you can sit on the bench and collect a paycheck for showing up. It is grueling and taxing, both physically and mentally. If he doesn’t want to jump right back into a rematch with Johny Hendricks right now, for whatever the reason, he should walk away for however long he deems necessary. In fact, he owes it to himself to, despite UFC president Dana White’s contention that any delay would be shirking his responsibilities as champion.

Recent Comments »

I think this whole thing had been given far to much attention, GSP got his head beat in, he has spent the longest amount of time in the ring, and Hendricks gave him probably the worst beating he ever had. can't blame him for what he said, Dana just watched a 5 rd battle with a really bad decision, he probably already had the rematch on his mind before the fight even ended; then toget blindsided by gsp's remarks. Dana White reacted like Dana White would react, so why is everyone so shocked?

You guys turn on anyone instantly eh?And please do not insult my intelligence by saying the "its not fair to other fighters" bs because you don't care about them either.Its about money. Its about greed.Gsp has been nothing but a loyal, consummate professional for years and years. If anyone owes anyone something, its the ufc that owed gsp more than just throwing him under the bus. They should have said we have no comment until we speak with the gsp camp at the very least. I'm appalled at the treatment he's gotten from the ufc after years of dedicated service.Its "on to the next one" for them and that's extremely disheartening.

Gsp doesn't owe anyone jack shit!So sad that the people he's been loyal to turn on him so quick. Even more of a reason for him to be selfish and think of himself. No one else gives a fuck about him or his well being. After being on top for as long as he has, he deserves a vacation. He deserves to enjoy his money on a beach in brazil if he wants to.

False, the robbery affected hendricks standard of living, and ability to provide for his family financially. GSp needs to give a rematch, or relinquish the belt. He doesnt have to fight immediately, but should be gone no more than a year max. GSP''s value to the ufc is greatly exaggerated, losing brock hurt the ufc more than losing GSP ever will. Gsp is not bigger than the UFC, thats why UFC promotes itself, and not the fighters. Losing gsp will be no big deal to the UFC.

So fuckin what to all of this starting with 'Cindy the schills' post first FFS!It was fuckin sick for Dana to have the audacity to say the stupid shit he did PERIOD.GSP is a fuckin man FFS. He'll do as he wishes and if Dana does not like it he can go F himself and do what he wants to do as well. No need to disrespect anyone especially GSP. It would be nice to see them engage in the cage together. Dana with a wired jaw would be good for all of us including himself for a while

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